Giving Thanks

I can hardly wait each morning to get to my computer so that I may get an update on Kory, my eleven year old Great-nephew. A few months ago Kory was diagnosed with Adrenal Cancer. Following major surgery to remove a large tumor, his treatment included eight rounds of chemotherapy. Kory will soon be half way through his treatment.

Texas Children’s Hospital has provided Care Pages, a website where his Mom has been sharing messages at the end of each day to keep us informed. It allows us to travel this journey with them.

Kory’s faith and the faith of his precious family are evidence that God’s Spirit is alive and well! Kory’s “story” is one of praise and trust in his Heavenly Father. I was so inspired by this morning’s message that I thought it needed to be shared.

Kory and his Mom decided that it was fitting, since Thanksgiving is later this month, and the fact that they have so much to be thankful for, their daily Bible study for this week would be Psalms 100:4-5. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Not only do we have the great examples of the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Joseph, Moses’ parents and many others as mentioned in Hebrews 11, but we have great examples of God’s faithful children who live among us.

Do you ever wonder where faith comes from? “As God’s messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you.” Romans 12:3

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Our loving Father, we thank you for our parents and grandparents who have shared faith-building stories with us from your Word. Thank you for the measure of faith you have given each of us. I am especially thankful for Kory and his family who show us daily what it means to “live by faith”. I praise you, Father, for those who are involved in Kory’s treatment and ask that you continue to bless him with strength and healing. We thank you for Jesus, your precious Son, in whose name we pray, Amen."

Jan Alderfer
Stephenville, Texas